Camp Verde, Arizona (3TV/CBS 5) — A water rescue in Yavapai County ended with the victim handcuffed as he reportedly fled authorities on Wednesday. Camp Verde Marshal’s Office When they found Joseph C. Powell, officers said he was talking to local homeowners about evacuation. He had served several felony warrants for his arrest. Instead of going with the officers, he jumped into the flooded waters of Clear Creek and tried to swim away. Camp Verde Field Marshal’s Office investigator Fred Heyman said in a statement, “He failed to take into account the possibility of hypothermia due to strong currents and cold flood waters.
Within seconds of entering the stream, he was swept downstream. He then screamed for help to a policeman who was fleeing. They ran along the banks of the stream and eventually caught up with him.of Verde Valley Fire District and the Copper Canyon Fire and Medical District Showed up to rescue Powell. The crew used ropes to get into the water and save Powell. They eventually gave him a rescue raft and put him on a safety vest before putting him on the raft. Using a rope system, rescuers on the ground then pulled them to safety.Video from Verde Independent/Vyto Starinskas shows law enforcement waiting for Mr. Powell on land. He is quickly handcuffed, but is not wearing pants in the video. Heyman said Powell was treated for mild hypothermia. The charges he faces are unknown.
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